[4] McComas was hired to guide Virginia Tech back into smooth waters after the fallout from a controversial land deal and an athletic scandal led to the resignation of William Edward Lavery.
McComas, who had played a leading role in forging stronger ties with the City of Roanoke, directed Virginia Tech as it worked with Roanoke leaders to raise approximately $50 million to renovate the century-old hotel, build an adjacent conference center, and make road and pedestrian-access improvements in the adjacent area.
He led the effort to make the university a force in economic development, helped form the New Century Council to create a strategic vision for the region, and initiated a series of public service forums throughout the state.
He worked with town officials to bring a national Family Motor Coach Association convention and the Tour DuPont to Blacksburg to boost regional economic development.
He encouraged diversity—minority student enrollment increased 26 percent in 1990—and supported the appointment of minorities and women to administrative positions.
On September 28, 1993, McComas, diagnosed the week before with colon cancer, announced that he was stepping down immediately to begin chemotherapy and would resign effective January 1, 1994.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural education from West Virginia University in 1951; and earned a master’s in 1960 and Ph.
[6] McComas Hall at Mississippi State, which is home of the Department of Communication and the University Art Gallery, is named in his honor.